Hybrid luminescent/magnetic nanostructured porous silicon particles for biomedical applications

J Biomed Opt. 2011 Feb;16(2):025002. doi: 10.1117/1.3533321.

Abstract

This work describes a novel process for the fabrication of hybrid nanostructured particles showing intense tunable photoluminescence and a simultaneous ferromagnetic behavior. The fabrication process involves the synthesis of nanostructured porous silicon (NPSi) by chemical anodization of crystalline silicon and subsequent in pore growth of Co nanoparticles by electrochemically-assisted infiltration. Final particles are obtained by subsequent sonication of the Co-infiltrated NPSi layers and conjugation with poly(ethylene glycol) aiming at enhancing their hydrophilic character. These particles respond to magnetic fields, emit light in the visible when excited in the UV range, and internalize into human mesenchymal stem cells with no apoptosis induction. Furthermore, cytotoxicity in in-vitro systems confirms their biocompatibility and the viability of the cells after incorporation of the particles. The hybrid nanostructured particles might represent powerful research tools as cellular trackers or in cellular therapy since they allow combining two or more properties into a single particle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology*
  • Bone Marrow Cells / drug effects
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Contrast Media / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Luminescent Measurements / methods*
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Nanostructures* / chemistry
  • Nanostructures* / toxicity
  • Porosity
  • Silicon* / toxicity

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Silicon